Mac and Beef

Ingredients

• For the Pasta & Beef:
• 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Sauce:
• 1 (24 oz / 680g) jar of marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• For the Cheese Topping:
• 2 cups shredded cheese (a blend of cheddar and mozzarella works well)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to the box directions. At the same time, cook the ground beef in a large skillet until it's browned. Drain any extra fat.
2. Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook until it's soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook for one minute, then stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and all the seasonings. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir everything together. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it with shredded cheese. Bake it at 400°F (or broil it) for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if you like.